Day Of Morning For DRC As 127 Feared Dead In Boat Accident

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi declared Friday, 19 April a day of national mourning following a boat accident that left 114 people missing. 13 have been confirmed dead, bringing the number of possible casualties to 127.

The boat capsized on Monday night in Lake Kivu. Only 13 people are reported to have been rescued alive.

The president announced that he would make it obligatory for passengers on the lake to wear life jackets.

Boat accidents are common in DRC as river transport is a common mode of travel.

Last year alone 3 major boat accidents happened in May, July, and September, killing 50, 26 and 27 people respectively.